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Green Superfoods
Green food supplements or "superfoods" are totally natural
chlorophyll rich foods. They are made from grasses or algae. Green superfoods
have similar properties because they all contain large amounts of chlorophyll.
Customers might find the array of products quite confusing, as all profess
to do wonders for your health. This article will hopefully help you to
find the right green food supplement for your individual needs.
To understand green foods, it is important to look at the substance that
lends them their green quality - chlorophyll. All plants contain at least
some chlorophyll; it has been referred to as the "blood of plants" and
is indeed rather similar to haemoglobin at a molecular level. Chlorophyll
rich foods have the action of building the blood; they contain a wide
range of nutrients including iron and B vitamins that will help to treat
anaemia. Chlorophyll has been shown to stop bacterial growth; counteract
yeast and fungi; and detoxify the body of drugs and carcinogens. It can
help to reduce inflammation; renew tissue and counteract bad breath and
body odour. Chlorophyll supports the liver; it helps to counteract the
toxic effects of modern western dietary habits.
It should be noted that in order to fully benefit from green food products,
poor diet and lifestyle habits must be addressed. If you use these foods
as a substitute for eating a wide variety of vegetables and wholegrain
foods, you will not feel their full effect.
Micro algae
Micro algae are primitive organisms; they were among the first life forms
on earth. They are unusual in that they do not fall readily into either
category - plant or animal, but exist somewhere in between. All algae
are rich in easily assimilated protein, nucleic acids, minerals and beta-carotene;
they also contain appreciable amounts of GLA and Omega-3 essential fatty
acids. Nucleic acids (RNA and DNA) help to renew cells and thus reverse
the degenerative aging process. The micro algae that are available in
the Haelan Centre are spirulina, blue-green algae and chlorella.
The protein digestibility of spirulina is rated at 85% (versus about 20%
for beef). Spirulina is useful for vegetarians and vegans who are sometimes
lacking in protein. Signs of protein deficiency include weakness, cravings
for protein rich foods and over consumption of foods such as cheese and
refined soya products. Spirulina also contains Mucopolysacharides (MPs),
which have the effect of making connective tissue more elastic and resilient.
MPs are also strongly anti-inflammatory.
Spirulina is suitable for support in the treatment of: anaemia;
hepatitis; gastritis; diabetes; hypoglycaemia; obesity; overeating; malnourishment;
poor skin tone; chronic skin problems. Helps to increase mental capacity.
Spirulina is not suitable for: people with signs of coldness accompanied
by dampness (water retention; cysts mucus and yeasts in the lower abdomen).
It is suitable for dampness with signs of heat.
Please note: spirulina may be taken safely during pregnancy, but
be sure to build up the dosage slowly, to avoid rapid detoxification.
See Notes on taking algae.
Chlorella contains much less beta-carotene than sprirulina and twice the
nucleic acid and chlorophyll. It also contains more essential fatty acids
than spirulina. It is a more gentle choice for those with weak digestive
systems. It is nevertheless still an effective detoxifier, it is able
to bind to heavy metals and pesticides and carry them safely out of the
body. Chlorella has a property known as CGF or Chlorella Growth factor.
This factor relates to it's immune strengthening properties, supporting
the body's defence against viruses and other invading microorganisms.
CGF promotes normal growth, but does not promote the growth of tumours.
Chlorella is more expensive because of the processing required, only choose
it if you need it's specific properties.
Chlorella is suitable for support in the treatment of: viral and
fungal overgrowth and other problems stemming from a weakened immune system;
injuries; slow growth patterns; MS; sciatica and other nerve disorders.
It also helps to reduce cholesterol and prevent athereosclerosis.
Chlorella is not suitable for: those who are overweight or pregnant
(if you have been taking chlorella one year prior to conception you may
continue to take it).
These algae should be used with caution, particularly those who are thin
and pale. It is particularly useful for helping to alleviate depression
and sluggishness and for concentrating and focusing the mind. When taken
in conjunction with a diet low in toxins, it is said to induce a "blissed
out feeling." Wild blue-green algae reduce damp-heat and help to overcome
liver stagnancy. It is ideal for overweight, "red faced" people
who may have consumed an excess of saturated fats (e.g. meat, dairy and
refined foods).
Wild blue green algae is suitable for support in the treatment of:
any condition associated with dampness - tumours, arthritis, M.S. and
candida overgrowth; cocaine or amphetamine addiction.
Wild blue green algae is not suitable for: people who are frail
or those with signs of coldness, thinness or dryness. It can also cause
individuals to become "spacey" and unfocussed if they have been taking
it for too long, or if it is unsuited to their constitution. Avoid if
you are pregnant (if you have been taking wild blue green one year prior
to conception you may continue to take it as long as you are still suited
to it).
See sections below for dosages.
- Digestive upset or mild headache may indicate a mild healing reaction
- The more toxins you have in your system, the more slowly you should
increase the dose
- Take between meals for an energy boost
- Take for a maximum of five or six days a week
- Algae are more readily digested in powder form, especially those with
weak digestive systems. The powder may be mixed with apple juice; fruit
puree; soup; or plain water once you are accustomed to the flavour (this
takes about two weeks).
Start with a minimum dose - two or three capsules or a quarter of a teaspoon,
increase according to your needs, until you experience more energy and
fewer cravings for protein. The maximum recommended dose is one or two
heaped teaspoons of powder per day or ten grams of tablets / capsules.
These micro-algae are more potent and so are taken in smaller amounts.
The daily dose of chlorella for prevention of disease is two to three
grams.
Only one or two grams of wild blue green algae are needed for prevention
of disease.
Cereal grasses
The therapeutic properties of wheat grass and barley grass
are practically identical, although barley grass is slightly more easily
digested. Wheat and barley grass do not contain gluten (as the grain does)
and are therefore suitable for those with allergies to wheat or barley.
In powder or capsule form grasses contain slightly less chlorophyll and
beta-carotene than the algae. They are less rich in protein, but the dried
powders contain a wide variety of vitamins and minerals depending on the
soil in which they are grown.
Unlike the algae, grasses contain digestive enzymes, which help the body
deal with processing toxic or indigestible material in the gut. The chlorophyll
in the grasses also aids this process. The grasses contain a fraction
called P4D1, which has a very powerful anti-inflammatory effect. This
is in addition to the anti-inflammatory action of chlorophyll and MPs.
They also contain a powerful anti-oxidant called SOD (superoxide dismutase),
which slows cellular degeneration due to exposure to free radicals. Wheatgrass
is more cooling and cleansing than spirulina and chlorella, but less so
than blue green algae.
Wheatgrass or Barleygrass is suitable for support in the treatment
of: arthritis; constipation; anaemia; fatigue; pre-menstrual syndrome;
yeast imbalance; heavy metal toxicity.
Those with the following conditions should use cereal grasses with
caution: weak, frail people with signs of coldness. Chlorella or spirulina
may be more suitable.
Fresh juice is more cooling and is useful for those with a hot constitution.
It may not be quite as abundant in nutrients because of the type of soil
it is grown in. That said, it will retain some extra nutrients and qualities
due to its fresh and minimally processed form. The dried forms are most
suitable for those with signs of dampness - excess mucus, yeast imbalance
or cysts.
One rounded teaspoon of juice powder is mixed with half a cup of water.
Ideally taken one hour or more before meals, on an empty stomach. Take
once a day for maintenance, two or three times a day for treating disease.
Due to the detoxifying nature of the grasses you might experience a mild
headache, diarrhoea or other discomfort. If this occurs, halve you next
dosage. If the symptoms persist, discontinue use, and try a less detoxifying
product such as chlorella or spirulina.
Every green food will have therapeutic properties described under the
chlorophyll rich food section above. Try to include generous helpings
of green foods in your diet to counteract environmental toxins and provide
a wide range of nutrients.
Source: Paul Pitchford, Healing with Wholefood: Oriental Traditions and
Modern Nutrition (North Atlantic Books, California; 1993)
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